From the Financial Times:
Emirates, the largest operator of the A380, estimates that steeper-than-normal descents into Heathrow would reduce the superjumbo’s noise impact around Heathrow by 15 to 20 per cent.
The airline has used flight simulators to develop a landing approach that involves the aircraft initially flying in at a 5.5-degree angle, rather than the normal 3 degrees. A similar method could be developed for ascents.
Second, landing the A380 part way down Heathrow’s runways would provide greater respite to homes close to the airport. Rather than landing near the start of the 4km runways, as other jets do, the aircraft could touch down up to 1km along the strip.
Mr Clark insisted Emirates’ proposal was safe, although he accepted it would need further development with aircraft manufacturers, airports and regulators.
Last edited by motojet; 13th Apr 2012 at 01:02.